Tennis: PTF appeals against Davis Cup shift

Federation opposes ITF’s verdict, says neutral venue was proposed.

KARACHI:

Desperate to host the Davis Cup tie, the country’s federation has appealed to the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to reconsider their decision of changing Pakistan’s second-round Asia/Oceania zone Group II fixture against Philippines from Lahore to Manila.

Pakistan, who were slated to host the tie on April 6, saw the venue changed due to security concerns. However, a day after the announcement, the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has written a letter to the ITF, stating that the country was safe enough and guaranteeing fool-proof security arrangements.

“The decision is unfair,” PTF Secretary Mumtaz Yousuf told The Express Tribune. “We’ve cited examples of different sports teams coming to Pakistan but it’s tough to convince them.”

‘Neutral venue option given’

Meanwhile, the PTF secretary said that a request to host the tie in a neutral venue was also propositioned to the ITF. While the body has denied such a request being made, Yousuf said the option of Chandigarh was made.

“As far as the option for a neutral venue is concerned, we wrote to them the very next day after we won our first-round tie against Lebanon last month. It’s disappointing that they never gave us the option or chance to host a tie in Lahore or elsewhere.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 4^th, 2012.